Sport

UPDATED: Ryan Bowman leaves York City for Torquay

YORK City striker Ryan Bowman has left for Torquay with Bootham Crescent chief Nigel Worthington believing he found the step up to Football League level difficult.

Worthington signed Bowman last summer after he plundered 19 goals for Hereford in the Conference during 2012/13.

But the 22-year-old forward has been allowed to join relegated Torquay with a year left to run on his City contract after managing just eight goals, including two penalties, during 43 outings last term.

Bowman failed to net in open play during his last 21 appearances for the Minstermen - a four-month barren spell stretching back to January.

During the run-in to the end of the campaign and the play-off matches, he also lost his starting place to short-term signing Calvin Andrew, who was released himself by Worthington in May.

Last season's 13-goal top scorer Wes Fletcher, when fit again, would have joined new signing Jake Hyde, Michael Coulson and Ryan Jarvis ahead of Bowman in the pecking order for attacking places next season, paving the way for the latter's return to non-League football with the Gulls.

Bowman's career with the Minstermen was chequered, including two red cards and a pair of terrible open-goal misses in quick succession at AFC Wimbledon and Portsmouth.

But he did finish top of the club's assists table along with Coulson last term by creating seven goals for team-mates.

The former Carlisle and Darlington forwards's goals were also worth four points to his side.

On Bowman's departure, Worthington explained: "Ryan got some goals last season, including a couple of penalties, but I just felt we needed to see more to come from him and he has gone to Torquay now.

"We have brought Jake Hyde in to the equation for this season, so we thank Ryan for his time at the club and wish him all the best with Torquay. I think he found League football tough at times so, hopefully, he can find his feet there and get back to doing what he's done at that level before."

Bowman's departure means City now boast 20 professionals on their books, although Josh Carson is ruled out until November and both Fletcher and Dan Parslow face a battle to kick off the season as they recover from their respective medial and cruciate ligament injuries.

City chief Worthington added, though, that Bowman's exit is unlikely to herald a replacement.

"If there is anybody else out there available, we will have a look at it but we have already got Jake Hyde, Michael Coulson and Ryan Jarvis, with Wes Fletcher also not a million miles away," the Minstermen boss reasoned.

Elsewhere, City's Sky Bet League Two rivals Shrewsbury have recruited released Tranmere frontman Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Wycombe have signed teenage goalkeeper Alex Lynch from Peterborough.

Northampton have also swooped for full-backs Daniel Alfei and ex-Minsterman Evan Horwood on a season-long loan from Swansea and a free transfer from Tranmere respectively.

Defender Troy Archibald-Henville, meanwhile, has left Swindon for Carlisle, while Shrewsbury left-back Joe Jacobson has joined Wycombe and released City centre-half Tom Allan has been reunited with former boss Gary Mills at Gateshead.

City have confirmed, meanwhile, that they will complete their pre-season programme with a match against Nigel Clough’s League One outfit Sheffield United at Bootham Crescent on Saturday, August 2. The game will kick off at 3pm.

Comments (28)

That is a great pity as I felt there was much better to come from Ryan once he became comfortable at league two level, I guess he thought his chances would be limited at City also not great business for us as he cost us a £20k tribunal decided fee still does this mean NW has a striker or another goal scoring mid field player?

That is a great pity as I felt there was much better to come from Ryan once he became comfortable at league two level, I guess he thought his chances would be limited at City also not great business for us as he cost us a £20k tribunal decided fee still does this mean NW has a striker or another goal scoring mid field player?joejamestom

I agree. He was promising a lot but delivering less so Mr Worthington, in assessing his needs, clearly decided that the current group is at a higher level and although it is a shame when a player does not fulfil his potential I think we have better players. Is this a place where Nigel will fill as required with a loan?

I agree. He was promising a lot but delivering less so Mr Worthington, in assessing his needs, clearly decided that the current group is at a higher level and although it is a shame when a player does not fulfil his potential I think we have better players. Is this a place where Nigel will fill as required with a loan?NottsExile

Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?

Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?pip007

pip007 wrote:
Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?

They've spent loads of money and got some very decent players up this pre season, plus a decent manager

[quote][p][bold]pip007[/bold] wrote:
Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?[/p][/quote]They've spent loads of money and got some very decent players up this pre season, plus a decent managerProudyorkshireman

Take the two penalties your left with 6 goals in 43 games from your main striker in my book he was not going to make it at City, pity , he had the build but produced little, nevertheless hes at the right level now and I hope he has a good season with them.

Take the two penalties your left with 6 goals in 43 games from your main striker in my book he was not going to make it at City, pity , he had the build but produced little, nevertheless hes at the right level now and I hope he has a good season with them.bill bailey

YCFC 1955 wrote:
Not surprised and think Ryan will be more suited to the Conference, Got found out at times last season!

Agree with this, Ryan looked good when he first signed but with suspension and and other things he lost form and nothing would stick for him. I wish him all the best down south and hope it works out

[quote][p][bold]YCFC 1955[/bold] wrote:
Not surprised and think Ryan will be more suited to the Conference, Got found out at times last season![/p][/quote]Agree with this, Ryan looked good when he first signed but with suspension and and other things he lost form and nothing would stick for him. I wish him all the best down south and hope it works outT.R.M1974

Liked him as a player because he could hold up a ball and find draw defenders allowing other players to move into space BUT he wasn't an out and out striker AND lost a lot of confidence with those two open goal chances he fluffed last season.

Good luck to the lad - hope he does well on the Devon Riviera (unless we get them in the FA Cup).

Liked him as a player because he could hold up a ball and find draw defenders allowing other players to move into space BUT he wasn't an out and out striker AND lost a lot of confidence with those two open goal chances he fluffed last season.
Good luck to the lad - hope he does well on the Devon Riviera (unless we get them in the FA Cup).North Lincs Minsterman

I'm not massively surprised he's been allowed to leave but I was one who thought there was some potential there with Bowman despite his goal ratio last season. He's still young and I really hope he does well at Torquay.

Clearly NW doesn't see any future potential with Bowman or there's been an adverse reaction from Bowman to signing Hyde who clearly will be 1st choice alongside Fletcher when fit. Either way I still feel had potential but it will be interesting to see if NW gets someone else in.

I'm not massively surprised he's been allowed to leave but I was one who thought there was some potential there with Bowman despite his goal ratio last season. He's still young and I really hope he does well at Torquay.
Clearly NW doesn't see any future potential with Bowman or there's been an adverse reaction from Bowman to signing Hyde who clearly will be 1st choice alongside Fletcher when fit. Either way I still feel had potential but it will be interesting to see if NW gets someone else in.dadster

I'm also a little disappointed by this as I thought there was some potential there, but we are in an immediate results business so it's understandable....IF we have replaced him well.
The best of luck to Ryan and I'm sure he'll be a big success in the conference.

Elsewhere, it appears Clayton Donaldson's had another acrimonious exit from a club. Allegedly telling Brentford he would sign a new contract if they won promotion, then taking a bigger pay cheque from a team in the same division.

I'm also a little disappointed by this as I thought there was some potential there, but we are in an immediate results business so it's understandable....IF we have replaced him well.
The best of luck to Ryan and I'm sure he'll be a big success in the conference.
Elsewhere, it appears Clayton Donaldson's had another acrimonious exit from a club. Allegedly telling Brentford he would sign a new contract if they won promotion, then taking a bigger pay cheque from a team in the same division.rogue84

redbluelion wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .

Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.

I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheap

[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .[/p][/quote]Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.
I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheapdazthecat

redbluelion wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .

Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.

I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheap

It's odds on we will sign another striker now, Bowman was told a couple of weeks ago he could speak to other clubs so I would think Nigel already has other options he is looking at. Can't really argue with the move, we are a club moving forward and it leaves the door open for better.

[quote][p][bold]dazthecat[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .[/p][/quote]Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.
I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheap[/p][/quote]It's odds on we will sign another striker now, Bowman was told a couple of weeks ago he could speak to other clubs so I would think Nigel already has other options he is looking at. Can't really argue with the move, we are a club moving forward and it leaves the door open for better.duffy

redbluelion wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .

Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.

I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheap

It's odds on we will sign another striker now, Bowman was told a couple of weeks ago he could speak to other clubs so I would think Nigel already has other options he is looking at. Can't really argue with the move, we are a club moving forward and it leaves the door open for better.

You appear to read the situation well as we were definitely goal shy all last season & NW will want options & competition for the strikers as none were totally reliable last season combined with a leaky defence made us relegation fodder. Looking at our signings we should remain as difficult to beat as we were at the end of the season but be a more accomplished passing side, however goals are not guaranteed but we are heading in the right direction. Cmon City!!!

[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]dazthecat[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
worthington has one more player to sign now looks like he could be out to get another striker .[/p][/quote]Do we need another? Hyde, Fletcher and Jarvis and I'm sure Coulson will be used there if/when needed.
I reckon Worthington will keep it as is and if we have injuries use the loan market. I think that'd be sensible option, strikers wages don't come cheap[/p][/quote]It's odds on we will sign another striker now, Bowman was told a couple of weeks ago he could speak to other clubs so I would think Nigel already has other options he is looking at. Can't really argue with the move, we are a club moving forward and it leaves the door open for better.[/p][/quote]You appear to read the situation well as we were definitely goal shy all last season & NW will want options & competition for the strikers as none were totally reliable last season combined with a leaky defence made us relegation fodder. Looking at our signings we should remain as difficult to beat as we were at the end of the season but be a more accomplished passing side, however goals are not guaranteed but we are heading in the right direction. Cmon City!!!joejamestom

Good luck to Ryan Bowman. This is a prime example where a reserve team would have benefitted a player. He could have played himself back into form in the rezzies, and the step up to first team football after suspension or injury is not as severe.

Good luck to Ryan Bowman. This is a prime example where a reserve team would have benefitted a player. He could have played himself back into form in the rezzies, and the step up to first team football after suspension or injury is not as severe.yorkandproud

I wonder if Nigel will move to sign another striker. Feel he may be tempted to consider Coulo as a fourth option (behind Wes, Jake and Jarv) and save the budget for elsewhere. Might be looking to the loan market for additional cover. The squad certainly looks a lot stronger than 12 months ago. COYR

I wonder if Nigel will move to sign another striker. Feel he may be tempted to consider Coulo as a fourth option (behind Wes, Jake and Jarv) and save the budget for elsewhere. Might be looking to the loan market for additional cover. The squad certainly looks a lot stronger than 12 months ago. COYRTug job

His straight red sendings-off/subsequ
ent bans, at Bristol Rovers and Southend United - which on another day/referee could quite easily have been cautions and at the time both seemed excessive - dislocated his run in the starting XI and with it his match fitness and confidence. His "howlers" at the Wombles and Pompey, when he missed two very easy goal-scoring chances, seemed to damage his confidence too. But, overall, a player who gives it his all and has real aerial ability in both boxes but ultimately as a striker, it's down to goals scored and he didn't quite live-up to his Hereford United form. Good-luck for the future Ryan, let's hope you get a good run in the Gulls team and re-discover your goal-scoring touch.

His straight red sendings-off/subsequ
ent bans, at Bristol Rovers and Southend United - which on another day/referee could quite easily have been cautions and at the time both seemed excessive - dislocated his run in the starting XI and with it his match fitness and confidence. His "howlers" at the Wombles and Pompey, when he missed two very easy goal-scoring chances, seemed to damage his confidence too. But, overall, a player who gives it his all and has real aerial ability in both boxes but ultimately as a striker, it's down to goals scored and he didn't quite live-up to his Hereford United form. Good-luck for the future Ryan, let's hope you get a good run in the Gulls team and re-discover your goal-scoring touch.RooBeck

[quote][p][bold]dbrs88[/bold] wrote:
There was a string of rumours linking us to curtis main of middlesbrough. maybe a season long loan, no smoke without fire. just saying[/p][/quote]maybe not then (after update) ...
"City chief Worthington added, though, that Bowman's exit is unlikely to herald a replacement."dbrs88

Although Nigel is very adept at handling the media and not naming targets until the deal's been done.

[quote][p][bold]dbrs88[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]dbrs88[/bold] wrote:
There was a string of rumours linking us to curtis main of middlesbrough. maybe a season long loan, no smoke without fire. just saying[/p][/quote]maybe not then (after update) ...
"City chief Worthington added, though, that Bowman's exit is unlikely to herald a replacement."[/p][/quote]Although Nigel is very adept at handling the media and not naming targets until the deal's been done.Tug job

Although Nigel is very adept at handling the media and not naming targets until the deal's been done.

I was at Middlesbrough 5 weeks ago watching a schoolboys tournament and a guy mentioned his name then ,

[quote][p][bold]Tug job[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]dbrs88[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]dbrs88[/bold] wrote:
There was a string of rumours linking us to curtis main of middlesbrough. maybe a season long loan, no smoke without fire. just saying[/p][/quote]maybe not then (after update) ...
"City chief Worthington added, though, that Bowman's exit is unlikely to herald a replacement."[/p][/quote]Although Nigel is very adept at handling the media and not naming targets until the deal's been done.[/p][/quote]I was at Middlesbrough 5 weeks ago watching a schoolboys tournament and a guy mentioned his name then ,bill bailey

pip007 wrote:
Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?

They had a strong finish last season and have strengthened their squad even further in the Summer. The capture of Ryan Lowe who knows where the net is a great signing for them. I personally think Bury will have a strong season and have to agree with the Bookmakers on the price.

[quote][p][bold]pip007[/bold] wrote:
Hard working player. Lost his touch in front of goal. Good luck to him at Torquay. On an unrelated note, I'm puzzled that Bury appear to be installed as favourites to win League 2. They have York City down in 10th. Bury? Finished 5 places below us last season. What am I missing here?[/p][/quote]They had a strong finish last season and have strengthened their squad even further in the Summer. The capture of Ryan Lowe who knows where the net is a great signing for them. I personally think Bury will have a strong season and have to agree with the Bookmakers on the price.YCFC 1955

No matter how nice a guy is or reputation he has hes an employee ,no sentiment in business two years ago he would have still been here its different now , different club completely , more professional ,has to be
that's having a manager of NWs ilk , I hope he gets another forward in to give us different options during a match.

No matter how nice a guy is or reputation he has hes an employee ,no sentiment in business two years ago he would have still been here its different now , different club completely , more professional ,has to be
that's having a manager of NWs ilk , I hope he gets another forward in to give us different options during a match.bill bailey

Ryan Bowman wasn't good enough. He's gone - so let's move on! My guess is that Hyde, Jarvis, Fletcher with Coulo able to take up a striking role if required is good enough - so long as the midfield is able to contribute a few goals (which they didn't last season).

Ryan Bowman wasn't good enough. He's gone - so let's move on! My guess is that Hyde, Jarvis, Fletcher with Coulo able to take up a striking role if required is good enough - so long as the midfield is able to contribute a few goals (which they didn't last season).Peppa07

Peppa07 wrote:
Ryan Bowman wasn't good enough. He's gone - so let's move on! My guess is that Hyde, Jarvis, Fletcher with Coulo able to take up a striking role if required is good enough - so long as the midfield is able to contribute a few goals (which they didn't last season).

Must not say "Hes gone move on" some people don't like the truth. or " he wasn't good enough" but your totally right, not every player is good enough we sign, in the end it's like weeding the flower beds , We don't leave the weeds to chock the flowers. O dear this will get a few thumbs down.

[quote][p][bold]Peppa07[/bold] wrote:
Ryan Bowman wasn't good enough. He's gone - so let's move on! My guess is that Hyde, Jarvis, Fletcher with Coulo able to take up a striking role if required is good enough - so long as the midfield is able to contribute a few goals (which they didn't last season).[/p][/quote]Must not say "Hes gone move on" some people don't like the truth. or " he wasn't good enough" but your totally right, not every player is good enough we sign, in the end it's like weeding the flower beds , We don't leave the weeds to chock the flowers. O dear this will get a few thumbs down.bill bailey

Every football club has signed a player on and then realised that it was a mistake, thats just a simple fact of life. So good luck to Ryan Bowman, for he now has a fresh start with Torquay. I think that Ryan lost his confidence after some unbelievable misses in front of goal, this new challenge will do him good.

Every football club has signed a player on and then realised that it was a mistake, thats just a simple fact of life. So good luck to Ryan Bowman, for he now has a fresh start with Torquay. I think that Ryan lost his confidence after some unbelievable misses in front of goal, this new challenge will do him good.OLD - HEAD

OLD - HEAD wrote:
Every football club has signed a player on and then realised that it was a mistake, thats just a simple fact of life. So good luck to Ryan Bowman, for he now has a fresh start with Torquay. I think that Ryan lost his confidence after some unbelievable misses in front of goal, this new challenge will do him good.

Still not so sure signing Bowman was a mistake however with our limited budget & squad size it would appear that waiting for him to develop his potential it this level was a luxury unaffordable in our current circumstance.
Which is a shame as without a reserve team long term investments in promising players will probably remain unlikely as we need a quick return.
I personally think Torquay have a bargain at our expense.
Looking a decent squad so far just hope NW reacts a little quicker if things do not quite work as expected as it took until Christmas to make the changes required last season & we still were not great to watch just hard to beat. Cmon City we deserve a cracking season!!!

[quote][p][bold]OLD - HEAD[/bold] wrote:
Every football club has signed a player on and then realised that it was a mistake, thats just a simple fact of life. So good luck to Ryan Bowman, for he now has a fresh start with Torquay. I think that Ryan lost his confidence after some unbelievable misses in front of goal, this new challenge will do him good.[/p][/quote]Still not so sure signing Bowman was a mistake however with our limited budget & squad size it would appear that waiting for him to develop his potential it this level was a luxury unaffordable in our current circumstance.
Which is a shame as without a reserve team long term investments in promising players will probably remain unlikely as we need a quick return.
I personally think Torquay have a bargain at our expense.
Looking a decent squad so far just hope NW reacts a little quicker if things do not quite work as expected as it took until Christmas to make the changes required last season & we still were not great to watch just hard to beat. Cmon City we deserve a cracking season!!!joejamestom